The National Assembly Standing Committee on Food Security has instructed the Ministry of National Food Security to develop a 20-year food security plan, warning that crop production may fall short of meeting the demands of Pakistan’s growing population in the coming decade. The committee stressed the importance of a long-term strategy to ensure food availability and sustainability.
During the meeting, Secretary National Food Security Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry briefed the committee that the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the next fiscal year would prioritize projects under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. He added that the Prime Minister had directed the ministry to prepare a sectoral plan, which would be jointly monitored by the Planning Commission and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The ministry also announced that the Fisheries and Livestock departments are being abolished, with responsibilities shifted to provincial governments following the 18th Amendment. This restructuring aims to streamline efforts and focus on areas under federal jurisdiction.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry’s failure to meet crop growth targets and questioned the measures being taken to address future food security challenges. Members criticized Pakistan’s low spending on agricultural research compared to regional competitors, calling for increased investment in the sector.
Ministry officials highlighted that 42% of Pakistan’s revenue comes from foreign trade but noted that high import taxes have discouraged investment in agriculture and related industries.
The ministry revealed that its development budget for the next fiscal year is projected to exceed Rs. 187 billion, with 18 new projects proposed. However, officials pointed out that only Rs. 14 billion was allocated for PSDP projects worth over Rs. 201 billion, while the total development budget for the current fiscal year stands at Rs. 9.92 billion.
The committee also rejected wheat production figures presented by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), accusing the council of underreporting actual production levels. Members demanded an inquiry into the matter, with the Food Security Secretary assuring that the issue would be raised with the Prime Minister.
The committee’s directives and concerns highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive food security strategy to address the challenges posed by population growth, missed agricultural targets, and insufficient investment in research and development.
